“Coffee and a Book – the perfect blend” Spring Book Sale hosted by the Friends of the Malden Public Library delights patrons once again

The Friends of the Malden Public Library (MPL) held their two-day Spring Book Sale on April 4 & 5. Friday was a “Members-only sneak preview,” giving Friends members the opportunity to get the first choice of the estimated 50,000-volume collection of used books donated by our local community. On Saturday, although the morning was cold and dreary, the Friends provided warmth and sunshine by offering a partnership event with New England Coffee and the Malden Fire Department.

This was the third appearance of the New England Coffee truck, which has become iconic at the Spring Book Sale outside the entrance to the Library on the brick pathway. New England Coffee served free coffee to our patrons, and the Friends accepted donations for the beverage in a donations bucket – all proceeds going to the MPL.

The second treat was the Friends partnership for the second year in a row with the Malden Fire Department; Engine 2 and three cheery firefighters were at the entrance handing out plastic helmets and stickers – and lifting happy children into the fire engine. The families were joyous – while the kids had fun being mini-firefighters, the adults enjoyed a cup of New England Coffee. “It was so fun to see so many little firefighters in the Library!” commented MPL Director Dora St. Martin.

Friends President Mary Ellen O’Meara pointed out that “Malden is a model community in terms of diversity and collaboration between community and municipal organizations. Everyone comes together at the Library. Why wouldn’t we team up with our Firefighters and out local coffee company? Children and adults were delighted.”

Meetings for the Friends are on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the MPL. All are invited to join.

The Friends are currently organizing the Wine Tasting Gala Fundraiser, which will be on May 9 from 7-9 p.m. “We brought back the Wine Tasting Gala last year for the first time since the pandemic,” explained O’Meara. “the event was a huge success; we are expecting a higher attendance this year.”

Tickets went live last Friday, and can be bought by cash or check at the Library, or online at www.localwineevents.com